—The Martial Heaven Division Commander candidates are to lead their directly subordinate units to the designated location and defend against the incoming enemies.
Just as Gongsun Dankyung had predicted, Vice-Alliance Leader Buk Ri-seong resumed the examination for the division leader candidates.
Rather than siege warfare, this would be defense of a fortified position, with an intent to evaluate the candidates’ command ability and the results of the training they had given their members so far.
—The defense battle will begin in two days at the designated location. Everyone, prepare accordingly.
As this rumor spread, the division leader candidates hurriedly began gathering their subordinates.
Ascendant Martial Hall, conference room.
Inside were Yuk Jangcheon and the captains under his command. On one side sat Yuk Cheongah.
Although Yuk Cheongah was the vice-leader of the Dragon Coiling Hall, she had decided to join forces with Yuk Jangcheon. That was why she had no hesitation in attending the Ascendant Martial Hall meeting.
‘What in the world is this situation?’
The corps leaders of Ascendant Martial Hall exchanged glances, unable to hide their discomfort.
The two were father and daughter, and in the past they had led Ascendant Martial Hall together in harmony.
But ever since the appearance of a certain man named Seon Woojin, their father-daughter relationship had become irreparably distant.
In the end, they had completely separated and growled at each other like enemies.
But now, as if nothing had ever happened, they were joining forces again?
The corps leaders were so dumbfounded they almost let out hollow laughs, but they could not openly object to Yuk Jangcheon’s decision.
After all, Yuk Cheongah was an outstandingly talented woman.
“Hahaha!”
Upon hearing the message delivered by Vice-Alliance Leader Buk Ri-seong, Yuk Jangcheon burst into hearty laughter, clearly in a good mood.
A “directly subordinate unit” referred only to the subordinates directly under one’s command.
Seon Woojin might have the treatment of a hall master, but he had never once requested reinforcements. He had maintained his position as a captain while commanding the Supreme Corps.
Therefore, his so-called “direct subordinate unit” consisted of no more than twenty intelligence operatives.
In comparison:
Baek Museong’s Heavenly Order Corps had one hundred men.
Mugeol’s Cheongmyeong Hall had eighty subordinates.
But the Ascendant Martial Hall under Yuk Jangcheon numbered a full five hundred.
Even after carefully selecting and culling the elite, he could still command at least two hundred troops.
“This is practically a test designed just for this hall leader.”
It was obvious: in a defensive battle, more numbers were overwhelmingly advantageous.
Moreover, defensive battles among martial artists differed from ordinary military tactics.
One could layer formations, employ mysterious martial techniques, and deploy various tactics that ordinary soldiers could never use.
“Perhaps this test isn’t meant to elevate the hall leader, but rather to bring down Captain Seon.” Yuk Cheongah spoke with a grave expression. “It’s probably not unrelated to the fact that the Alliance Leader put forward Cheongmyeong Hall Leader.”
As a brilliant woman, she had already anticipated a change in the Alliance Leader’s mindset.
“If that’s the case, then this hall leader should reduce the number of participants in the defense battle to around one hundred. That would at least make it fair.”
Yuk Cheongah pondered for a moment, then shook her head.
“No. We must deploy all five hundred.”
“What?”
“If fairness were truly the goal, they would never have used the term ‘directly subordinate unit.’ That means the defense battle capability is not the sole purpose of this test.”
After thinking deeply, Yuk Cheongah continued.
“There must be another hidden objective underlying this mission. We don’t know what kind of unexpected situation might arise, so it would be best to bring every available force—including all the corps leaders—and observe how the situation develops.”
“Understood.”
Yuk Jangcheon smiled warmly.
When she had been an enemy, she had been so difficult and nerve-wracking but now that she was an ally, she was unbelievably reassuring.
‘What kind of meeting is this supposed to be?’
The watching corps leaders could no longer hide their displeasure.
This was the conference room of Ascendant Martial Hall.
They were the corps leaders directly under Ascendant Martial Hall.
No matter how outstanding Yuk Cheongah was as the leader’s own daughter and a former strategist of Ascendant Martial Hall, she was now clearly the vice-leader of the Dragon Coiling Hall.
Yet here she was, standing side by side with the Ascendant Martial Hall leader, giving orders to them.
“Hall Leader.”
Unable to stand it any longer, Sang Gu-baek—the leader of Taeseong Hall and the chief strategist of Ascendant Martial Hall—spoke up.
“Throwing all of Ascendant Martial Hall’s forces into the battle at once is no simple matter.” He looked at Yuk Jangcheon and cautiously continued, “Wouldn’t it be better to have a thorough discussion with the corps leaders first?”
“Is there really a need for that?”
Yuk Jangcheon waved his hand dismissively.
“Since this is an open test, all we have to do is complete it. As Cheongah said, if they truly wanted fairness, they wouldn’t have given such an order.”
“We feel the same way. That’s why we believe we should discuss and try to uncover the hidden intention behind this test.”
“Uncovering the intention is fine, but mobilizing all of Ascendant Martial Hall’s forces for the defense battle will take a great deal of time.”
At that moment, Yuk Cheongah spoke again.
“We have to arrive there by the day after tomorrow, so the members must begin preparations right now. Even if unexpected variables arise, it would be better to resolve them on the spot.”
Sang Gu-baek closed his mouth.
He acknowledged that Yuk Cheongah’s wisdom was truly outstanding…
But for the leader of another hall to give orders to them like this…
And for Yuk Jangcheon to value her opinion so highly while dismissing his subordinates’ concerns…
This was an act that would inevitably lower the morale of the men.
‘I stepped forward thinking that at this point the Hall Leader would intervene…’
Sang Gu-baek had deliberately created an opportunity for Yuk Jangcheon to step in for the sake of the subordinates’ morale.
Yet all Yuk Jangcheon did was nod warmly at Yuk Cheongah’s words.
“…Understood.”
In the end, Sang Gu-baek bowed his head, and the other corps leaders followed suit.
Hanam, Yeoyeongbu.
At the top ridge of Gwanryong Mountain stood a small temple called Gongdeoksa (Temple of Merit).
It was famous for the many beautiful stone pagodas erected there, and there was an interesting legend associated with it.
It was said that a man named Gongrim, after attaining great enlightenment from the sermons of an unknown monk, began carving pagodas from the rocks of Gwanryong Mountain. He tirelessly created pagodas, but a sudden landslide destroyed them all.
He tried to carve new ones, but was unable to complete them.
In the end, Gongrim passed away while carving pagodas.
However, moved by his devotion, the Buddha transformed all the remnants of the pagodas Gong-rim had carved into complete pagodas, causing countless pagodas to be erected along the ridge.
Seeing this, the monks built a temple there and named it Gongdeoksa.
However, over time, Gongdeoksa fell into ruin, leaving only broken stone pagodas behind.
“This is a difficult place to defend.”
Tae Muryong, standing in front of the main hall and surveying the temple, took a deep breath.
Although the temple was very small, its walls were low and it had four open gates in all directions. Defending such a place perfectly with only twenty men was nearly impossible.
“Still, if we unfold the Divine Spirit Formation, we should be able to hold out for a while.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
The defense battle was meant to test the coordination and command ability of the subordinates, not to prove Bu Eunseol’s own martial prowess.
“Jongdo. I’ll leave command of the Divine Spirit Formation to you. I’ll handle the enemies rushing in from the front together with the Captain.”
At Tae Muryong’s words, Jeong Jongdo nodded.
“That would be for the best.”
Then one of the members, Gye Muk, spoke up.
“Instead, why don’t we divide the members into four groups of five and deploy the Jade Divine Capture Formation in each of the four directions?”
Tae Muryong shook his head, saying, “I considered that too, but it would place too much burden on the members. We don’t even know what kind of force the Alliance will send.”
“Isn’t that exactly why we’ve been training so hard until now?”
Gye Muk turned to the members and shouted, “The defense battle won’t be easy. Are we just going to rely on the Captain again? No right?!”
The members shouted in agreement and nodded vigorously.
After a moment of hesitation, Tae Muryong looked at Bu Eunseol.
“Captain, is that alright?”
They could divide into four groups of five and deploy the Jade Divine Capture Formation, forming a massive barrier.
Even with a small number, they could block a large number of enemies.
But in a situation where they didn’t know how many enemies would pour in, perfect defense might not be the right tactic.
If even one direction was breached, all four directions would collapse at once.
“It’s fine.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
“After all, this is just a test—not a matter of life and death. It’s better to let the members do what they want.”
“But if things go wrong, you could be eliminated from the division leader candidacy.”
“That won’t happen.”
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“Besides, the members finding and executing the method they believe is best on their own will produce far better results than if I were to command them.”
Bu Eunseol was convinced that the members researching and deciding for themselves would yield much better outcomes than following his own strategy.
“Understood.”
Tae Muryong took a deep breath and addressed the members.
“From now on, form groups of five and deploy the Jade Divine Capture Formation. Choose a group leader for each, and defend with all your strength around them.”
Taking another deep breath, he shouted loudly.
“Remember that the success or failure of this test rests in your hands!”
—Yes!
Filled with fighting spirit, the members began preparing the formation.
Whoosh.
At that moment, a figure rapidly approached Gongdeoksa with a sharp sound of air being cut.
It was a messenger from the Martial Alliance.
“The test will begin shortly.”
“Understood.”
As Bu Eunseol replied, the messenger handed over a sealed letter.
“Additionally, in this defense battle, each division leader candidate is ordered to wait outside the temple and not participate in command.”
Instantly, all the members of the Supreme Corps—except Bu Eunseol—widened their eyes in shock.
The Supreme Corps consisted of only about twenty men.
It was only because of Bu Eunseol’s presence that they could even attempt a defense battle.
Yet they were telling the core force—the leader of the corps—to stay out?
This made absolutely no sense.
Rumble rumble rumble.
Then, from afar came the sound of a herd of oxen charging, and countless martial artists began rushing toward them.
“That many?”
Jeong Jongdo gaped at the martial artists charging from the distance.
The Martial Alliance warriors, identifiable by their black martial uniforms, numbered at least two hundred, if not more.
Moreover, he recognized some of their faces.
They were the warriors of the Divine Might Corps—the very unit renowned for its rigorous training, which had also participated in the subjugation of the Heaven-Human Cult in the past.
‘They’re dead set on bringing down our Captain!’
The members’ faces turned pale.
“Don’t panic. Just do exactly as we practiced.”
At that moment, Bu Eunseol shouted to the members.
“You have always given your all. Regardless of success or failure, make sure you have no regrets—give it everything you’ve got!”
—Yes, sir!
Hearing Bu Eunseol’s encouragement, fire blazed in the members’ eyes.
—The Captain’s path to promotion is in our hands!
—If any side gets breached, I’ll kill them with my own hands!
—If you’ve got energy to yap, focus on defense!
Until now, they had grown under Bu Eunseol’s protection.
But now it was their turn to step forward and protect Bu Eunseol.
They were determined to stake their lives on holding this defense battle.
Fwoosh.
A fierce flame ignited in Tae Muryong’s eyes as he looked at the members.
“Open formation!”
Tae Muryong’s shout rang through the heavens with thunderous majesty.
“Even if we die and become ghosts, hold your assigned positions!”
—WAAAAAHHH!
The members’ battle cry became thunder that shook heaven and earth.
Their momentum turned the clear blue sky into a perfect, cloudless spectacle.
Shhhk shhhk.
Hot energy flowed from the bodies of the members as they formed the formation.
Since its founding, the Supreme Corps had always fought from disadvantageous positions, yet they had overcome adversity and seized victory.
Now the members were beginning to resemble their commander Bu Eunseol, seeking victory even amid trials.
“Haa…”
From the summit of Gwanryong Mountain, Buk Ri-seong watched the defense battle between the Divine Might Corps warriors and the Supreme Corps members and let out a sigh.
“Just how did Captain Seon train his subordinates…?”
Twenty against two hundred.
A hopelessly disadvantaged situation that should collapse in an instant.
No—it was like a handful of children blocking dozens of charging adults.
Yet even after more than one gak (15 minutes), and even after a full sikgyeong (about 30 minutes), the formations guarding the four entrances… showed absolutely no sign of collapsing.
Murmur murmur.
Even the hall leaders standing behind him were clicking their tongues in disbelief.
“Forget about their inner energy—the individual martial arts level… These don’t look like members of an intelligence battalion. They seem more like members of a special operations unit carrying out covert missions.”
“Considering when the Supreme Corps was founded, this doesn’t make any sense.”
“At this level, we should immediately reclassify them from an intelligence corps to a special operations corps.”
Hearing the hall leaders’ chatter, Buk Ri-seong also felt something was off and spoke to the Mankyeong Hall Leader.
“Are the Supreme Corps members perhaps secretly drawn from another organization?”
“No.”
Recalling the records detailing the members’ backgrounds, the Mankyeong Hall Leader shook his head.
“Only the vice-leader and one other entered through the Heroes’ Conference. The rest were all recruited from low-level martial artists. Moreover… every single one of them is an orphan from insignificant second-rate sects.”
“Haha…”
Buk Ri-seong let out a hollow laugh.
That meant one thing: These people had entered the Supreme Corps, received Seon Woojin’s hellish training, and as a result had all become extraordinary masters.
Was such a thing even possible?
“No wonder Lord Bukgung praised him so highly.”
Thinking of Bukgung Ryeong, who never missed an opportunity to praise Seon Woojin, Buk Ri-seong smiled warmly.
“But it’s a pity.”
Looking at the Supreme Corps members with sharp eyes, he spoke in a low voice.
“This test isn’t just about the defense battle.”
No matter how successfully they defended, the true hidden intention behind the test was something else entirely.
Moreover, this was merely a preliminary test prepared for someone…
He could only hope that the Supreme Corps members’ efforts would not be in vain.
Woooong!
Meanwhile, Tae Muryong switched the members’ formation from Jade Divine Capture Formation to Jade Secret Armor Golden Formation.
This was an ultimate defensive formation created in the past by the Taoist Ok Cheong of the Taesan Sect.
It had been devised when the Taesan Sect had few disciples, to defend against enemy attacks.
The Jade Secret Armor Golden Formation amplified the power of the Jade Divine Capture Formation several times over.
Each group of four could move independently and defend a range from as little as twenty jang to as much as eighty jang.
“Ugh…”
Groans leaked from the members’ mouths.
Thanks to switching to the Jade Secret Armor Golden Formation, their defensive power had increased dramatically, but compared to the Jade Divine Capture Formation, their inner energy was being consumed more than twice as fast.
—Ugh…
It would have been better if they could just cut down the pouring enemies.
But because this was a test, they could only focus on defense.
Thus, the Supreme Corps members had no choice but to madly pour out inner energy to maintain the formation while executing sword techniques.
—This is tough…
The members felt as if their bodies were being torn apart.
The enemies numbered over two hundred.
In other words, the Supreme Corps members had to withstand the pressure and attacks from ten times their number of highly trained warriors.
Fortunately, while pouring out inner energy, the Jade Secret Armor Golden Formation created a massive energy barrier.
Thanks to this, they were somehow managing to hold against the relentless waves of assault.
“Never fall!”
The group leaders continuously encouraged the members.
Although the Supreme Corps was only the size of a third-grade corps in the Martial Alliance, each member’s skill was truly worth one against a hundred.
Not only had they undergone rigorous training, but they had also deeply mastered the various martial arts created by Bu Eunseol.
Whenever the formation seemed about to collapse, they unleashed exquisite sword techniques to force the enemies back, then reformed the formation—repeating the cycle.
‘What the hell are these guys?’
Ho Munjung, the leader of Geumseong Hall who was commanding part of the Divine Might Corps, was utterly dumbfounded.
He had originally come with a light heart.
Unlike other places, Gongdeoksa was defended by only twenty members of the Supreme Corps.
Moreover, he had heard that the leaders of each organization would not participate in the defense battle. That meant the supposedly outstanding young master Seon Woojin would not be present, and only twenty intelligence battalion members would be defending.
There was no way twenty men could withstand two hundred elite warriors.
Yet the unexpected was happening.
Two hundred elite warriors of the Martial Alliance could not break the formation created by twenty members.
“This won’t do.”
Ho Munjung bit his lip.
If this continued, rather than praising the Supreme Corps’s greatness, the higher-ups would question his commanding ability.
He absolutely could not allow this situation to stand.
“No mercy!”
Ho Munjung shouted loudly to the warriors he commanded.
“Give it everything and break their formation!”
—WAAAAAHHH!
The Divine Might Corps warriors, who had been attacking in waves, now launched a full-scale assault.
“We can’t hold!”
As two hundred warriors pushed with all their might, it looked as if flames were erupting from the Supreme Corps members’ bodies.
Shhhk shhhk shhhk shhhk!
As they swung their swords wildly, the energy barrier became even clearer.
The Divine Might Corps warriors tried to forcibly break through and approach the main gate but each time, members would burst out from the formation and unleash powerful sword techniques.
Their martial prowess was beyond imagination. With every strike, it was the Divine Might Corps warriors who were pushed back.
“Uwaaaaah!”
The Supreme Corps members’ eyes were completely bloodshot.
They had always handled information and undergone hellish training.
The only real combat they had experienced was once—against Hell’s Blood Fortress.
Now that they were finally clashing with full power, they even felt exhilarated.
—Haaaaah!
As time passed, the energy barrier of the Jade Secret Armor Golden Formation grew even denser.
The members’ eyes were blood-red, drooling like wild beasts.
They raised their inner energy to the maximum, pushing back the Divine Might Corps with the energy barrier, and sometimes even dissolved the formation to charge out and swing wildly.
“Now!”
At that moment, the western line began to waver, creating an opening.
Ho Munjung immediately led his warriors to rush through the gap.
“Kaaah!”
But suddenly, Supreme Corps members appeared and began performing insane sword dances.
“Come on in!”
Jeong Jongdo, swinging bizarrely shaped swords, snorted and shouted.
“Come in and I’ll cut off all your heads and quit the Martial Alliance for good!”
Momentum.
Overwhelmed by the madness and momentum of the Supreme Corps members, Ho Munjung could not bring himself to enter even though the path was open.
He had experienced countless battlefields, yet he had never seen anyone as crazed and frenzied as these men.
“Ugh…”
Moreover, the Divine Might Corps warriors had all lost their will to fight and were hesitating to attack.
“It’s over.”
Ho Munjung stood there with a hollow expression.
In this state, no matter how well he commanded his troops, they would never be able to enter Gongdeoksa.
—Bwooooo!
At that moment, a loud trumpet sounded.
—This concludes the defense battle!
The voice of a Martial Alliance messenger, amplified with inner energy, echoed thunderously around Gongdeoksa.
In the end, even the two hundred warriors of the Divine Might Corps could not break through the defense of the twenty-man Supreme Corps.
